Rishikesh is known for all things holy and serene but there’s more to the place than just temples and ashrams. Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, the quaint city also happens to be a hub of adventurous activities. Whether it is camping in the wilderness or rafting along a gushing river, there’s plenty to pick from here. We’ve put together a list of the best activities for an exciting adventure in Rishikesh.
1. River Rafting
The uneven terrain of the region makes for challenging hurdles, making river rafting in Rishikesh an adventurous experience. The Ganges trickles down the Himalayan terrain with great speed and vigour, making it an ideal place for rafting. The best time to visit the city for this activity would be between months of September and June. There are several routes for rafting in Rishikesh depending upon the preferred difficulty level.
2. Bungee Jumping
If you’re looking for a heavy dose of an adrenaline rush, bungee jumping is one of the activities you can sign up for. Promising you an adventure in Rishikesh, the height of the jump here is around 83 metres above the Ganges. The platform was apparently built by experts who flew in from New Zealand. Bungee jumping involves jumping off this platform while your ankle will be secured with a strong safety cord. When you take the plunge, prepare yourself for the sudden rush of excitement that you’ll feel on jumping off the platform. With the rope moving at about 160 km per hour, you are bound to feel like you’re almost flying down! This one’s definitely not for the weak-hearted.
3. Rappelling and Rock Climbing
Surrounded by the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayan terrain, Rishikesh offers plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling (also known as abseiling). Usually, both activities go hand-in-hand, starting with a session of climbing the mountains. Climbing gear like climbing shoes, helmet, belay device, a harness, chalk bag along with chalk and the carabiner are also used for this. Rappelling, too, requires similar equipment as rock climbing but a few extra things are needed like athletic tapes, ropes and obviously the rappel device. One can go rappelling on dry hilly areas and enjoy the view from the top or opt for waterfall rappelling where one climbs down slowly with the help of the rappel equipment, while suspended from the top of the waterfall. You can try this kind of rappelling at the Neergarh waterfall which is about 80 feet tall.
4. Trekking
Rishikesh is a trekker’s paradise with enough and more trekking trails to pick from. If you’re looking for an offbeat adventure in Rishikesh, we suggest you check out water trekking. Since Rishikesh has an abundance of waterfalls, you can trek along some of them like the Neer Gaddu waterfall, the Phool Chatti waterfall, and the Garud Chatti waterfall. Trekking tours to these waterfalls are available and these mostly take up half a day to complete. Another renowned trek is the Kunjapuri trek. This trek takes you to the Kunjapuri temple that sits about 26 km away (located at an altitude of 1,650 metres) from Rishikesh close to Narendranagar town. Other interesting treks you can go for include the Gaumukh trek, the Hemkund trek and the Auli Kuari Pass trek.
5. Camping
Depending on the spot, amenities and pricing of the activities, you have options like budget, deluxe and luxury camping in Rishikesh! Whether it’s by the Ganges, in the valley or amidst the wilderness, you will be spoilt for choice here. A few prominent camps are the Valley View Camp, the Brahmpuri Beach View Camp, the Shivashish Camp and the Rollercoaster Shivpuri Camp, among others. Live the rustic life, explore the place and bond with likeminded adventure-lovers while you enjoy a wholesome experience in this charming city.
6. Body Surfing
Body surfing basically involves riding the waves without a surfboard or a bodyboard. Perfect for those who love watersports, you can actually feel the waves pass beneath your body surface and experience floating like a fish. This adventure in Rishikesh involves introductory classes and necessary safety equipment. Once you’re ready, you can put on the necessary accessories and gear and step into the water. Steer yourself along, feel the waves around you and let the current guide you on.
7. Kayaking
Another adventure you can have in Rishikesh would be kayaking. The Ganges is a suitable option for this activity, owing to its water flow and a number of rapids to add to the fun. While beginners might need some training, kayaking is fairly simple. It uses a kayak (a canoe-like boat) to move across the water, letting you paddle away and go with the flow of the river.
8. Ziplining
Rishikesh has a wonderful zip line that begins from Shivpuri. The zip line here is placed at about 7 metres above sea level. Attached to a safety harness, you are required to swing along the cable, propelled by the force of gravity. While you move past, along with the cable, brace yourself and look down at the stunning views below you. This adventure activity in Rishikesh lets you experience the lush, pristine beauty of the region from up above.
Now that you know the best activities for an exhilarating adventure in Rishikesh, when are you planning to head there?
